Glucan dietary additives

ABSTRACT

Compositions useful in the treatment of dietary disorders, and as dietary additives to provide a source of fiber and of short chain fatty acids, to reduce the level of serum cholesterol and as bulking agents in humans and animals, as well as methods of use therefor are described. The compositions and methods are based on whole β-glucans.

DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND

Certain natural fibers benefit digestive function, help prevent intestinal and colon cancer and act as fecal gastroenteral bulking agents. Generally, fibers are derived from grains, and are composed of polysaccharides with a range of structures. The role of fiber in health has become well recognized; however, its mechanisms of action are not completely understood.

Yeast cell walls are largely made up of the hydrophilic polysaccharide beta-glucan. The cell wall is primarily composed of a β(1-3)-linked glucose polymer with periodic β(1-6)-linked side chains. A similar polysaccharide can be found in grains, such as barley, which are common sources of dietary fiber.

The term "fiber" refers generally to a diverse, complex group of substances whose single common attribute is their resistance to human digestive enzymes. The important physiological effects of fiber are related to this characteristic, as well as to water and ion-binding capacity, viscosity, and the products of their fermentation in the bowel. E. Bright-See, Nutrition Today, 4:4-10 (1988). The implication is that fiber increases bulk, dilutes colonic contents, speeds transit time and changes bacterial metabolism, possibly providing protection from some diseases of the gut. Furthermore, diets high in fiber are usually lower in animal products, (i.e., saturated fat, cholesterol). By replacing or reducing these fats, protection against heart disease is enhanced. P. M. Kris-Etherton et al., Journal of the American Dietetics Association, 88:1373-1400 (1988); S. Bingham, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 45:1226-1231 (1987). Dietary fiber can alter lipid metabolism by interfering with cholesterol absorption, changing lipoprotein lipase activity or fatty acid metabolism. Also, fiber has been seen to lower blood glucose levels, alter hormonal levels and influence carbohydrate metabolism. Epidemiological evidence does suggest a link between reduced incidence of chronic heart disease and colon cancer in populations consuming high fiber diets. T. A. Miettinen, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 45:1226-1231 (1987); M. L. Wahlevist, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 45:1232-1236 (1987). Most authorities agree that dietary fiber intake should be increased from the current average of 10-20 gm/day to 25-30 gm/day, but not to exceed 45 gm/day. For most, this can be safely accomplished by consuming a variety of foods containing fiber.

It is known that a diet high in fiber is beneficial for a variety of reasons. Dietary fiber aids digestion because it provides an indigestible biomass which is carried through the alimentary canal causing undigested food to be pushed out before it. Fiber also clears out bacteria and insures the proper working of the peristaltic muscles. A diet high in fiber has been shown to reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and has been linked to lower rates of intestinal and colon cancer. A high fiber diet has also been linked to the reduction of other problems commonly associated with poor digestion, such as ulcer formation, ileitis and colitis.

Dietary fiber is particularly important for persons on a liquid diet, such as, for example, a patient who receives nourishment through a feeding tube due to inadequate function of the gastro-intestinal tract, with or without protein calorie malnutrition. A common side effect for those patients who do not receive any fiber supplement is chronic diarrhea due to lack of bulk. This condition may cause depletion of essential nutrients in the patient, dehydration and bowel irritation. Some dietary fibers can be used as a stool or fecal bulking agent to aid digestion and control chronic diarrhea. A fiber having a large water holding capacity is useful for this purpose, because these fibers absorb excess fluid in the colon resulting in increased fecal wet weight and stool number. Furthermore, some fibers are partially digested by bacteria in the large bowel, forming short chain fatty acids, which are preferred energy fuels for the small intestine and improve intestinal function.

Grain β-glucans are commonly used as a source of fiber. Another source of β-glucans is yeast cell walls; however, yeast β-glucans have not been used as a dietary fiber supplement due to the fact that yeast cell wall glucans prepared by traditional methods, such as the method described by Manners et al. , in Biochem. Journal, 135:19-30 (1973), are not pure, and generally contain materials such as protein, glycogen and chitin. Also, the water-holding capacity of β-glucans prepared previously is low due to the presence of hydrophobic components such as protein and glycogen, and due to the lack of any three-dimensional cell wall micro-structure. Functionality and purity of a compound to be used for non-irritating, food-grade, fiber preparations are essential to ensure acceptable performance and qualitative properties, such as bland taste and white coloration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the discovery that whole β-glucans are surprisingly useful as dietary additives. Dietary supplements containing whole β-glucans, when administered to animals and humans, provide a source of fiber in the diet, provide a fecal bulking agent, provide a source of short chain fatty acids and reduce cholesterol levels in animals and humans.

In addition, this invention includes a method for providing a source of fiber in the diet, for reducing body weight, providing a fecal bulking agent, for providing a source of short chain fatty acids and/or for lowering total plasma and/or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by administering whole yeast β-glucan to an individual. Whole glucans are significantly more effective in reducing body weight or weight gain in animals when compared to commercially available fibers such as oat bran or wheat bran. The whole glucans used in this composition and method can be naturally-occurring or unmodified β-glucans, or can be chemically or enzymatically modified, by altering the β(1-6) and β(1-3) linkages. For example, partial acid hydrolysis or digestion with enzymes can be used to modify the β(1-6) or β(1-3) linkages, respectively. Such modifications are useful to control the water holding capacity of the whole glucan, thereby regulating the degree of gastroenteral bulking.

More importantly, the relative proportions of β(1-6) and β(1-3) linkages in whole β-glucan can be altered by genetic modification of the yeast from which it is derived. Mutant cells which exhibit changes in the structure of the yeast cell wall can be isolated by evaluating their resistance to digestion by hydrolytic enzymes. The changes in the structure of the whole β-glucans may be reflected in the shape of the extracted whole cell walls, in the water-holding characteristics or in the extent of bacterial conversion to short chain fatty acids. Whole β-glucans extracted from mutant cells can then be used as dietary additives for purposes commensurate with their properties.

The dietary additives of the present invention are based on the three-dimensional matrix structure of whole glucan, which is unique to whole glucan, and cannot be mimicked by other naturally occurring polysaccharides, including other β-glucan preparations. The composition and method of this invention utilize whole yeast glucan as a dietary additive to improve digestion or treat digestive disorders. For example, the composition can be used to: 1) provide a source of dietary fiber; 2) provide a stool or fecal bulking agent; and 3) provide a source of short chain fatty acids via bacterial fermentation in the large bowel, which improves digestion and benefits intestinal and colonic endothelial cells. The present composition and method also effectively lowers total plasma and/or LDL cholesterol, and reduces body weight or inhibits weight gain.

The whole β-glucans of the invention can be administered neat, in a biologically acceptable carrier or as part of a complete nutritional food.

Whole β-glucans have important properties that make them ideally suited for use as dietary supplements. For example, they have a high water-holding capacity, they are non-gelling, the water holding capacity can be easily adjusted, and they are natural and highly pure. Whole β-glucans provide a number of coincidental, beneficial effects. They provide, in combination, a source of fiber, a fecal bulking agent, a source of short chain fatty acids to improve digestion and stimulate mucosal proliferation in the intestine and a cholesterol-lowering effect. Whole glucans provide a uniquely concentrated source of dietary fiber which can be used to control weight gain when incorporated into a high-fat or hypercaloric diet. Whole β-glucans are obtained from yeast cell walls using a purification process which does not disrupt the three-dimensional cell wall matrix in the process of extracting the non-glucan components, thus enhancing their functionality as a water-absorbing and bulking agent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a plot illustrating the viscosity profiles of whole β-glucans obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae A364A, 374 and 377.

FIG. 2 shows a plot illustrating the viscosity profiles of whole β-glucan obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae A364A and 374 before and after treatment with laminarinase.

FIG. 3 shows a plot illustrating the viscosity profiles of whole β-glucans obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae A364A and R4 including viscosity profiles of R4 after treatment with acetic acid and glucanase.

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the reduction in hamsters of total and LDL cholesterol obtained with whole glucan compared to wheat bran and oat bran.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

"Whole β-glucans" are glucans which maintain the intact, three-dimensional in vivo morphology of the cells from which they are derived. Whole β-glucans (also referred to herein as "whole glucans") are obtained from the cell walls of glucan-containing organisms using a purification process which does not disrupt the integrity of the cell walls in the process of extracting the non-glucan components.

Yeast cell walls are composed predominantly of glucans, which are glucose polymers, having mainly β(1-3) linkages with a smaller component of β(1-6) linkages. Whole β-glucan is the alkali-insoluble portion which can be derived intact from yeast cell walls using the process described by S. Jamas et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,646, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. This process yields intact particles of β-glucan, which maintain the spherical, elliptical or rod shaped configuration of the β-glucan as found in vivo, which is referred to as whole glucan. Whole glucan is comparable in size and shape to whole yeast cells, and is composed almost entirely of β-glucan.

These hollow, three-dimensional particles are conducive to a high water holding capacity, in that they become filled with water upon hydration. The viscosity of an aqueous solution of whole glucan is indicative of its water holding capacity. Viscosity profiles of β-glucans derived from three different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are shown in FIG. 1.

β-glucans obtained using this process are also very pure. The occurrence of other cell wall components, including glycogen, protein and chitin, is minimized when this process is used. Glycogen, protein and chitin are undesirable as the presence of these components tend to reduce the water holding capacity and the effective dietary fiber content of β-glucans.

Highly pure, whole β-glucans having a very high water holding capacity and high dietary fiber content can be obtained from any yeast strain. For example, the following strains, and mutants or variants derived from them, will yield whole β-glucans: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces delbrueckii, Saccharomyces rosei, Saccharomyces microellipsodes, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces fragilis, Kluyveromyces polysporus, Candida albicans, Candida cloacae, Candida tropicalis, Candida utilis, Hansenula wingei, Hansenula arni, Hansenula henricii and Hansenula americana. This whole β-glucan retains the three-dimensional morphology of the yeast cell wall in vivo, since the Jamas et al. extraction process does not cause rupture of the yeast cell walls. The β-glucan product obtained from this process is typically about 96-99% pure; and, since the cell wall structure is intact, it also has a significantly higher water holding capacity than glucans extracted using traditional methods, which lack the intact three-dimensional structure.

Whole yeast β-glucans have several important properties that make them ideally suited to function as dietary supplements. Whole β-glucans are natural, very pure, exhibit a high water holding capacity and are non-gelling. They are wholly composed of glucose units bonded together by β(1-3) and β(1-6) glycosidic linkages, which cannot be de-graded by human digestive enzymes, thus making them suitable as a source of dietary fiber. Additionally, as whole β-glucans pass through the large bowel, they can be partially digested by endogenous colonic bacteria without significant loss of their water holding properties. This fermentation process gives rise to short chain fatty acids (predominantly acetate, propionate and butyrate) which are beneficial to mucosal cells lining the intestine and colon. Sakata, T. and Engelhardt, W. V., Comp. Biochem. Physiol., 74a:459-462 (1983).

Whole β-glucans are able to absorb more than ten times their weight in water, which is useful in oral and tube feeding formulations and digestive aids to act as a stool bulking agent, and, thus, as a preventative to diarrhea. For example, whole glucan has a water holding capacity of between about 3 to about 12 ml/gram of dry material, but does not exhibit gelling properties, thus allowing it to be incorporated into liquid formulations at significantly higher levels than possible with existing fibers such as soy polysaccharide, psyllium fiber and other plant or grain fibers. Therefore, a typical daily dose for humans of from about 5 to about 50 grams of whole β-glucan can absorb from about 15 to about 600 ml of water from the gastrointestinal tract depending on the desired function for the user. For example, the functional properties of the whole glucan can be varied between high fiber/low bulking to high fiber/high bulking functions.

The water holding capacity of whole glucan can be altered by genetic, chemical or enzymatic modification, as described by Jamas et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,810,646, 4,992,540, 5,082,936 and 5,028,703, by Jamas et al., in Biotechnology and Bio-engineering, 28:769-784 (1986); the teachings of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, whole glucan can be treated with an acid, such as acetic acid, after its extraction from yeast to reduce the degree of β(1-6) crosslinking, thereby increasing the water holding capacity of the whole glucan. Likewise, treatment with hydrolytic enzymes, such as laminarinase or β(1-3) glucanases, reduces the degree of β(1-3) linkages of the whole glucan, resulting in a decrease in the viscosity profile (see FIG. 2) and thus, a decrease in the water holding capacity of whole glucan.

The properties of whole glucans can be altered by genetic modification of the yeast cells from which they are derived. A culture of yeast cells can be induced to mutate by applying a mutating agent, such as ultraviolet radiation, for example. Changes in the structure of the yeast cell wall induced by the mutation can then be evaluated for effect on the morphology and structure of the whole β-glucan extracted from the mutant yeast. These changes may be reflected in the shape of the extracted whole cell walls, the degree of cross-linking, in the viscosity profile (see FIG. 3) which relates directly to water-holding capacity, and/or in the extent of bacterial conversion to short chain fatty acids. β-glucans extracted from the mutant cells can then be used as dietary additives for purposes commensurate with their properties. For example, a mutant strain of yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae R4 (NRRL Y-15903, Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, Ill.), was created by exposing a culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae A364A cells to UV light for 25 seconds, as described by S. Jamas et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,810,646, and 5,028,703 by S. Jamas et al. in Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 28:769-784 (1986). The R4 mutant shows increased β(1-6) linkages in the glucan structure, which affects its degree of digestibility, and the resultant yield of short chain fatty acids in the large intestine. Mutant yeast cells may be produced by other methods known in the art.

By treating the glucans with mild acids, such as acetic acid, or glucanase enzymes such as laminarinase, to alter the β(1-6) or β(1-3) linkages, respectively, or inducing or isolating mutant yeast strains having altered β-glucan structures, it is possible to control the hydrodynamic properties of whole glucan, and to control product viscosity precisely for a particular end usage. Therefore, the degree of bulking, for example, can be controlled by administering whole glucan modified to have the desired water holding capacity.

The multiple functionality of whole glucans as a source of short chain fatty acids and as a hydrophilic water absorbing agent makes them valuable as dietary additives acting as a fiber supplement and/or a stool bulking agent that enhances bowel function. Enzymatic modification of whole glucan can allow a range of digestability (from about 15 to about 70% metabolizable glucose) and water holding capacity (from about 3 to about 12 ml/g of dry material). These properties can be utilized individually or in combination depending on the specific application. In addition, the present whole glucans can be used to lower cholesterol levels in individuals with hypercholesterolemia. Whole glucans can be administered alone or in conduction with a lipid-lowering diet to lower total plasma and LDL cholesterol.

A dietary additive, or supplement, is defined for present purposes as a food material which is administered to or taken by an animal or human to induce a beneficial or desirable physical effect or to supply one or more components which are missing in the individuals' diet.

The present whole glucan preparations can be administered orally, or enterally. The form in which the glucan will be administered (e.g., powder, tablet, capsule, suspension, solution, emulsion) will depend on the patient and the particular treatment. The quantity of the composition to be administered will be determined on an individual basis, and will be based in part on consideration of the condition of the subject, the subject's overall health, and the severity of the disorder being treated. The amount of whole β-glucans administered to an individual to provide a source of fiber should be the amount necessary to provide all or part of the individual's fiber requirement to aid digestion by providing an indigestible biomass to clear undigested food and other debris from the gastro-intestinal tract; ensure the proper function of the gastrointestinal tract; prevent dehydration and/or bowel irritation in the individual; clear out bacteria and aid proper working of the peristaltic muscles; prevent diarrhea, which can occur when there is insufficient fiber in the diet; and/or to reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The amount of whole β-glucans administered to an individual as a bulking agent should be the amount necessary to provide water-adsorbing bulk to prevent dehydration and bowel irritation in the individual; to aid digestion; and to increase fecal wet weight and stool number, and to thereby control chronic diarrhea caused by excess fluid in the digestive system. For example, dosage levels can be from about 5 to about 50 grams of whole β-glucan per day; and will generally range from about 30 to about 40 g of whole β-glucans per day to provide a source fiber in the diet and/or as a bulking agent. The amount of whole β-glucans administered to an individual as a source of short-chain fatty acids should be the amount necessary to aid digestion and improve intestinal function and stimulate proliferation of mucosal cells in the intestines. The amount of whole β-glucans administered to an individual to reduce serum cholesterol should be the amount necessary to cause a reduction in total plasma and LDL cholesterol. When added to a high-cholesterol and/or high-fat containing diet, about 5% to about 8% by weight (based on total weight of food ingested) of whole glucan was more effective than wheat bran or oat bran at reducing total plasma and LDL cholesterol levels. The amount of whole β-glucan administered to an individual to promote weight loss or reduce weight gain should be that amount necessary to aid digestion, increase fecal wet weight, speed transit time of undigested food and insure the proper working of peristaltic muscles. For example, when added to a high-fat diet, about 5 to about 8% by weight (based on total food intake) of whole β-glucan was more effective than wheat or oat bran in reducing body weight and weight gain.

The composition may be administered orally, in liquid or solid form, either at room temperature or chilled, or enterally through a feeding tube. Glucan as a source of fiber can be administered alone, in a biologically acceptable carrier (e.g., saline or water) with other ingredients such as vitamins and minerals, or as part of a complete-nutritional food. For example, whole glucan can be administered as a component in a high fiber liquid food for oral or enteral feeding, by continuous or intermittent drip into a feeding tube (e.g., nasogastric, nasoduodenal, jejunal). Liquid formulations generally contain about 5 g whole glucan per 8 fluid ounces.

The composition of the present invention can optionally include, in addition to whole β-glucan, other components, which will be determined primarily by the manner in which the composition is to be administered. For example, a composition to be administered orally in tablet or powder form can include, in addition to whole β-glucan, a filler (e.g., corn starch, sucrose, lactose), a binder (e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose, gum arabic, gelatin), an adjuvant, a flavoring agent, a coloring agent, and/or a coating material (e.g., wax or plasticizer) and/or other nutritional supplements. A composition to be administered in liquid form can include whole β-glucan and, optionally, an emulsifying agent, a diluent (e.g., water, sterile saline) and/or a coloring or flavoring agent, or combined in a complete feeding formula to be administered orally or by feeding tube into the digestive tract. A complete feeding formula can contain all nutritional requirements. For example, such a feeding formula for oral or enteral administration could contain whole glucan (as the source of dietary fiber), water, a source of carbohydrate (e.g., sucrose, hydrolyzed corn starch), an oil (e.g., corn or soybean oil), selected sources of vitamins (e.g., choline chloride, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocophenyl acetate, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, thiamine, riboflavin, phylloquinone, cyanocobalamin, vitamin D₃); selected sources of minerals (e.g., potassium citrate, magnesium chloride, calcium phosphate tribasic, sodium citrate, potassium chloride, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, cupric sulfate); a source of protein (e.g., soy protein isolate, calcium caseinate), and lecithin.

For a complete nutritional liquid food, to be used as the sole source of nutrition, the dosage for an average adult can be between about 1500-2000 calories per day. A complete nutritional formulation can have the following caloric distribution:

    ______________________________________                                         Liquid Nutrition Plus Fiber - Enteral Feeding                                  Complete Nutritional Formulation                                               Contents      Grams/Liter % of Total Calories                                  ______________________________________                                         Protein       20-60       8-23                                                 Fat           1-100       1-90                                                 Carbohydrate  40-220      20-91                                                Glucan        10-50       0-10                                                 Vitamins*     RDA         0                                                    Minerals*     RDA         0                                                    Water         800-950     0                                                    ______________________________________                                          *Provide recommended dietary allowance of all essential vitamins and           minerals                                                                 

For most individuals the calorie distribution can be: about 14-15% protein, about 30-32% fat and about 53-56% carbohydrate.

The invention is illustrated further by the following examples, which are not to be taken as limiting in any way.

EXAMPLE 1

Composition of Whole β-glucans From Strains Saccharomyces Cerevisiae A364A and R4

Whole β-glucan was extracted from strains Saccharomyces cerevisiae A364A and R4 according to the process described by Jamas et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,646.

Protein and hexose content of whole glucans

Protein content of the whole β-glucans was determined chemically using the Bio-Rad assay (Bio-Rad, Richmond, Calif.). In this procedure, glucan samples were suspended in water to a concentration of 5 mg/ml, and lysozyme solutions in the range of 0.2 to 1.0 mg/ml were prepared as standards. Duplicate 0.1 ml aliquots of the samples and standards were placed in clean, dry test tubes and 5.0 ml of the diluted dye reagent was added. The solutions were vortexed, and after 5 minutes, the optical density (O. D.) was measured at 595 nm. A water blank was used as a negative control.

Total hexose was measured in duplicate 100-fold dilutions of the glucan suspensions. A standard curve was prepared using glucose solutions in the range of 10-100 μg/ml. Duplicate 1 ml aliquots of the samples were placed in clean, dry test tubes and 1 ml of 5% (v/v) phenol was added. Then, 5 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂ SO₄) was added to each tube, the mixture was vortexed, and incubated at 37° C. for 15-20 minutes. The optical density was measured at 488 nm with a water sample as the blank. The results are shown in Table 1.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         Protein Content                                                                        Protein  Hexose    Hexose/Protein                                      Preparation                                                                            mg/ml    mg/ml     Ratio    % Protein                                  ______________________________________                                         A364A   0.071    8.74      123:1    0.80                                       R4      0.082    8.81      108:1    0.91                                       ______________________________________                                    

Chitin and Glycogen Content

Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to detect the presence of chitin and glycogen, and peak integration was used to determine their relative levels. The characteristic glycogen peaks, which appear at a wave number of 850, 930 and 760 cm⁻¹, were not detected in the whole β-glucan preparations, but were clearly present in the glucans extracted using an alternate process described by Manners et al. in Biochem. J., 135:19-30 (1973) (hereinafter the "Manners' preparation"). In addition the characteristic chitin peak, which appears at a wave number of 1550 cm⁻¹ was significantly stronger in the Manners' preparation. The results are shown in Table 2.

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         CONTAMINANT LEVELS DETECTED                                                    BY FT-IR SPECTOSCOPY                                                           Contaminant   Whole Glucan                                                                              Manner's Prep.                                        ______________________________________                                         Glycogen      1.0        9.4                                                   Chitin        1.0        2.9                                                   ______________________________________                                    

Manner's preparation contains an approximately 10-fold higher level of glycogen, and a 3-fold higher level of chitin over the whole glucan preparation. Table 3 illustrates the significant compositional differences resulting from these procedures:

                  TABLE 3                                                          ______________________________________                                         COMPARISON OF BETA-GLUCAN PREPARATIONS                                         Component   Whole glucan   Manner's Prep.                                      Content     mg      %          mg    %                                         ______________________________________                                         Glucan      1000    96.2       1000  51.8                                      Protein     2       0.8        351   18.2                                      Glycogen    31      2.9        579   30.0                                      ______________________________________                                    

Based on 1000 mg samples of glucan, the whole glucan sample contained only 33 mg of contaminants, whereas the Manners' preparation contained 930 mg. The contaminant mass displaces its weight in water from the glucan particles, so that the contaminated glucan has a considerably lower water holding capacity.

EXAMPLE 2

Treatment of Whole Glucan With Acetic Acid

Five hundred mg samples of whole glucan from S. cerevisiae prepared as described in Example 1, from strains 374, 377 and R4, were suspended in 250 ml of 0.5 M acetic acid. The suspensions were continuously stirred at 90° C. for 3 hours. At the end of this extraction, the remaining insoluble glucan residue was recovered by batch centrifugation at 5000 rpm for 20 minutes. The glucan residue was washed once in 200 ml distilled water, once in 200 ml dehydrated ethanol and twice in 200 ml dehydrated ethyl ether. The resulting slurry was dried in air at 37° C. for 12 hours. The initial suspension in acetic acid and the supernatant were assayed for total carbohydrate content to determine the proportion of the extractable β(1-6) glucan component. The white glucan powder obtained after drying was resuspended in distilled water to determine its viscosity profile (see FIG. 3). The results are shown in Table 4. As indicated by the results, the mild acid treatment -±increases the water holding capacity of the whole glucans by approximately 20% and therefore will have a commensurate effect on their bulking properties.

                  TABLE 4                                                          ______________________________________                                         Viscosity Profiles of Glucans Before                                           and After Acetic Acid Treatment                                                Yeast        Viscosity in Centipoise, 25° C.                            Strain       2%    2.5%       3%   3.5%                                        ______________________________________                                         Saccharomyces                                                                  cerevisiae                                                                     374 (before) 1.5   2.8        7.1  14.2                                        374 (after)  1.6   4.7        58.3 1879.0                                      377 (before) 1.6   3.4        16.0 75.0                                        377 (after)  1.7   4.7        58.3 1878.0                                      R4 (before)  1.8   2.3        3.1  4.5                                         R4 (after)   2.6   4.6        12.4 106.3                                       ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 3

Treatment of Whole Glucan with Laminarinase

Four hundred mg samples of whole glucan from Saccharomyces cerervisiae prepared as described in Example 1, from strains A364A, 374 and 377, were suspended in 400 ml of distilled water. Laminarinase (endo β(1-3) glucanase; Sigma Chemical Co.) in a concentration of 0.25 mg/ml in phosphate buffer at pH 7.0 was added. The solutions were incubated at 37° C. for 4 hours. At the end of the incubation the solutions were held at 70° C. for 15 minutes to deactivate the enzyme. The remaining residue was recovered by centrifugation at 5000 rpm for 20 minutes. The resulting glucan residues were diluted into a range of concentrations in order to obtain viscosity measurements of the laminarinase degraded glucan samples. Since the enzyme cannot be effectively removed from solution, a control experiment was performed as above containing the enzyme only. The readings from the control were used to correct the solvent viscosity accounting for the contribution of the enzyme to the macroscopic viscosity of the suspension. The results are shown in Table 5.

                  TABLE 5                                                          ______________________________________                                         Viscosity Profile of Glucans Before and After                                  Treatment with Laminarinase                                                    Yeast        Viscosity in Centipoise, 25° C.                            Strain       1%    2%         3%   3.5%                                        ______________________________________                                         Saccharomyces                                                                  Cerevisiae                                                                     A364A (before)                                                                              1.4   2.7        13.7 127.3                                       A364A (after)                                                                               1.2   1.6        3.1  6.4                                         374 (before) 1.6   4.0        47.4 2630.7                                      374 (after)  1.3   2.3        9.3  62.9                                        377 (before) 1.6   3.4        16.0 75.0                                        377 (after)  1.4   2.8        18.1 367.3                                       ______________________________________                                    

FIG. 2 shows the viscosity profile of glucan derived from strain A364A before and after a 4 hour laminarinase digest. Digestion of whole glucans with hydrolytic enzymes such as laminarinase will partially degrade their three-dimensional matrix structure thereby reducing their water-holding capacity. This procedure can be employed to produce β-glucans with high fiber/low bulking function.

EXAMPLE 4

Modification of Whole Glucan Cell Wall Structure Through Genetic Modification of the Producing Strain

The following procedure is employed to produce and isolate mutant yeast cells having altered cell wall structures: Saccharomyces cerevisiae A364A is used in this example, however, other yeast strains may be used.

Strain A364A was grown in 100 ml YPD to mid-log phase. The cells were washed in buffer and divided into aliquots of approximately 5 ml in sterile glass petri plates. A UV exposure of 25 sec (30% survival) was used as the mutagenesis procedure. The cells were then suspended in 5 ml YEPD (1% yeast extract, 2% bacto peptone, 2% glucose) and grown under subdued light to a concentration of 5×10⁶ CFU/ml. The cells were harvested, and protoplasts were prepared using 0.25 mg/ml laminarinase for 30 minutes. The suspension was then diluted with water to lyse osmotically sensitive protoplasts. The surviving cells then were grown in 5 ml YPD to a density of approximately 5×10⁶ CFU/ml. The laminarinase treatment was repeated two more times using 1.0 mg/ml enzyme for 15 minutes. The candidates which resistance to laminarinase digestion were then streaked on YEPD agar (1.5%) plates. Single colony isolates were tested for resistance to the enzyme compared to the resistance of the control strain, A364A. The mutant referred to as R4, is available from the Agricultural Research Service, Number NRRL Y-15903. The water holding capacity of whole β-glucan derived from Saccharomyces Cerevisiae strains A364A and R4 is shown in Table 6.

                  TABLE 6                                                          ______________________________________                                         The Water Holding Capacity of Genetically Modified                             (R-4) and Unmodified (A364A) Whole Glucans                                     Yeast                Water-holding capacity                                    Strain     Treatment (ml/g dry material)                                       ______________________________________                                         A364A      none      9.2                                                       A364A      acetic acid                                                                              9.0                                                       A364A      laminarinase                                                                             5.7                                                       R4         none      8.9                                                       R4         acetic acid                                                                              10.3                                                      R4         laminarinase                                                                             7.1                                                       ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 5

A Complete High-Fiber Liquid Food Containing Whole β-Glucan

A high fiber liquid food for oral or enteral feeding was formulated using whole glucan as the source of dietary fiber. The composition contained the following ingredients: distilled water, hydrolyzed corn starch, sucrose, sodium and calcium caseinates, corn oil, whole glucan, minerals (potassium citrate, magnesium chloride, calcium phosphate tribasic, sodium citrate, potassium chloride, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, cupric sulfate), soy protein isolate, flavorings, soy lecithin and vitamins (choline chloride, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocophenyl acetate, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, thiamine chloride hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, vitamin A palmitate, folic acid, biotin, phylloquinone, cyano-cobalamin, vitamin D₃).

The formulation was prepared by adding the following components to 4 fl. oz. of distilled water:

    ______________________________________                                         Contents           grams                                                       ______________________________________                                         Sodium caseinate   3.5                                                         Calcium caseinate  5.9                                                         Corn Oil           8.8                                                         Sucrose            7.0                                                         Whole B - glucan   5.0                                                         Hydrolyzed corn starch                                                                            26.3                                                        ______________________________________                                    

The following vitamins and minerals were added:

    ______________________________________                                         Vitamin A              850 I.U.                                                Vitamin D              68 I.U.                                                 Vitamin E              7.7 I.U.                                                Vitamin K              12 mcg                                                  Vitamin G              51 mg                                                   Folic Acid             102 mcg                                                 Thiamine (Vitamin B.sub.1)                                                                            0.39 mg                                                 Riboflavin (Vitamin B.sub.2)                                                                          0.44 mg                                                 Vitamin B.sub.6        0.51 mg                                                 Vitamin B.sub.2        1.6 mcg                                                 Niacin                 5.1 mg                                                  Choline                102 mg                                                  Biotin                 77 mcg                                                  Pantothenic Acid       2.55 mg                                                 Sodium                 200 mg                                                  Potassium              370 mg                                                  Chloride               340 mg                                                  Calcium                170 mg                                                  Phosphorus             170 mg                                                  Magnesium              68 mg                                                   Iodine                 25.5 mcg                                                Manganese              0.85 mg                                                 Copper                 0.34 mg                                                 Zinc                   3.83 mg                                                 Iron                   3.06 mg                                                 ______________________________________                                    

All components were mixed until dissolved or suspended in a homogeneous mixture, and enough additional water was added to bring the volume to 8 fl. oz.

EXAMPLE 6

A Bulk Laxative Containing Whole β-Glucan

A bulk laxative was formulated by adding 5.g of whole β-glucan to 8 oz. of cold water, and stirring until the β-glucan was suspended in the water. This formulation can then be administered orally to a patient, up to 3 times daily to provide a laxative effect.

EXAMPLE 7

Method to Control the Bulking Properties of Whole Glucans by Chemical Modification

The bulking properties of the whole glucans are a direct function of their hydrodynamic volume. However, degradation of the glucan matrix by hydrolytic enzymes present in the large intestine may significantly impair this property. It is therefore important to control the bulking properties and degradation of the glucan particles for a variety of applications.

Glucan particles were prepared according to the method of Jamas et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,646) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae 377. A portion of the glucan particles was further extracted by suspending 500 mg of the glucan in 250 ml of 0.5M acetic acid and stirring for 3 hours at 90° C. The whole glucan and the acetic extracted glucan were digested with a mixture of hydrolytic enzymes containing β(1-4), β(1-3) and β(1-6) glucanase activities to simulate the conditions that the glucan will be exposed to in the large intestine. The bulking properties of the glucan before and after digestion were measured as was the amount of glucose released and the percent undigested fiber (see Table 7).

                  TABLE 7                                                          ______________________________________                                         Properties of Whole Glucans Before And After                                   Digestion                                                                              Initial Water                                                                            Final Water                                                          Holding   Holding   Digestable                                                 Capacity  Capacity  Glucose % Undigested                               PRODUCT (ml/gram) (ml/gram) (mg/gram)                                                                              Glucan                                     ______________________________________                                         Untreated                                                                      377     9.1       6.5       250     75                                         377/acetic                                                                             10.3      4.1       600     40                                         acid                                                                           ______________________________________                                    

The two products, untreated 377 and 377 treated with acetic acid behave significantly differently under simulated conditions. The results show that the whole glucan, 377, will provide high bulking properties throughout its residence in the intestine and does not degrade significantly. The acetic acid-treated material is more susceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis, yielding a higher quantity of metabolizable glucose per gram of fiber (Table 8). In this case, the product will benefit patients with impaired bowel function in which the fiber will provide a low bulking component and considerable nutrition to the epithelial cells.

EXAMPLE 8

Method to Control Degradation of Whole Glucans By Modifying the Ratio of β(1-6) to β(1-3) Linkages

The whole glucans consist of β(1-3)-linked glucose backbone chains with periodic β(1-6) branching. The relative ratio of the β(1-6) to β(1-3) linkages in the glucan matrix determines its resistance to digestion by hydrolytic enzymes. The employment of mutant or genetically engineered strains with altered β(1-6) linkages result in whole glucans with a range of properties as dietary fiber.

To demonstrate this, whole glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain A364A, and the mutant strain R4, were digested with a mixture of hydrolytic enzymes to simulate the conditions in the intestine. The results, shown in Table 8, illustrate how the ratio of linkages in the whole glucan can be used to produce a high bulking/low digestible fiber or a low bulking/high digestible fiber.

                  TABLE 8                                                          ______________________________________                                         The Effect of Linkage Ratio in Whole Glucans on                                their Function as a Dietary Fiber                                                        Initial Water                                                                               Final Water                                                       Holding      Holding   Digestable                                              Capacity     Capacity* Glucose                                       PRODUCT   (ml/gram)    (ml/gram) (mg/gram)                                     ______________________________________                                         A364A     9.2          5.0       550                                           R4        8.7          7.1       225                                           ______________________________________                                          *After enzymatic digestion                                               

The results above demonstrate how the A364A whole glucan is degraded considerably by the hydrolytic enzymes providing a high level of metabolizable glucose representing approximately 50% of the total fiber. The modified whole glucan of strain R4, which has an increased ratio of β(1-6) to β(1-3) linkages, is more resistant to the hydrolytic enzymes thus maintaining over 80% of its bulking properties and providing a lower quantity of metabolizable glucose.

EXAMPLE 9

The Effect of Dietary Whole Glucan on Serum Cholesterol Levels of Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters

Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were chosen for their similarity to humans in blood lipoprotein profile. Forty hamsters were placed on a control diet for seven weeks. Control feed consisted of a Purina Mills Rodent Laboratory Chow (#5001) based diet to which was added 0.2% by weight cholesterol and 10% coconut oil. At seven weeks, hamsters were separated into four groups having means of total cholesterol between 267 mg/dl and 279 mg/dl. One group remained on the control diet. The other groups received a five percent by weight addition of oat bran, wheat bran or whole glucan (prepared as described in Example 1) to the control diet for an additional six weeks.

Initial blood samples were drawn from each hamster after four weeks on control diet, after which time they were divided and immediately placed on the fiber-containing diets. At two consecutive intervals of 3-4 weeks all groups were bled again. All blood samples were obtained via the retro-orbital sinus and collected into heparinized tubes. Approximately 500 microliters of blood were collected from each hamster at each bleed.

Plasma was partitioned by low speed centrifugation. Plasma total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were measured by enzymatic assay on a Beckman 700 system, as previously described. T. O. Tiffany et al., Clinical Chemistry, 18:819 (1972); W. H. Karge et al., The American Journal of Medicine, 86:19-23 (1989).

Groups were tested for variance before being placed on fiber diets to ensure no initial statistical difference between mean values of total cholesterol. To evaluate the effect of each fiber, individual animals were used as their own control. An analysis of variance was performed to determine if there was an effect of type or level of fiber. A paired-t-test was applied across each group to examine the difference between means of the hamsters while on control feed and then on fiber treated feed. In each group changes in variables were tested for correlation by a Pearson correlation matrix. A means separation test (Newman/Kuels, Tukey) was then used to detect significant differences of effects on plasma lipoprotein cholesterol and body weight between groups and against a control average.

No significant differences in pre-treated values for plasma cholesterol were observed between each treatment group due to randomization. Whole glucan fed at 5% by weight resulted in reductions in total cholesterol, (42%), LDL cholesterol, (69%) and a significant increase in HDL cholesterol (16%). Plasma triglycerides were not significantly altered by the whole glucan at this level. The results are shown in Table 9 and in FIG. 4.

                                      TABLE 9                                      __________________________________________________________________________     EFFECTS OF DIETARY FIBER (5%) ON PLASMA LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEIN                 CHOLESTEROL                                                                            TC       HDLC     LDLC     TG                                          DIET  N PRE                                                                               TREATED                                                                              PRE                                                                               TREATED                                                                              PRE                                                                               TREATED                                                                              PRE                                                                               TREATED                                  __________________________________________________________________________     mg/dl                                                                          5% WHEAT                                                                             9 272.sup.a                                                                         223   110                                                                               110   162                                                                               110   99 110                                              ±                                                                              ±  ±                                                                              ±  ±                                                                              ±  ±                                                                              ±                                             61 37    34 23    64 39    39 44                                       5% OAT                                                                               6 291                                                                               304   93 114   198                                                                               190   135                                                                               94                                               ±                                                                              ±  ±                                                                              ±  ±                                                                              ±  ±                                                                              ±                                             61 51    16 29    61 48    72 28                                       5% WHOLE                                                                             9 308                                                                               180.sup.b                                                                            98 114.sup.c                                                                            210                                                                               66.sup.d                                                                             114                                                                               97                                       GLUCAN  ±                                                                              ±  ±                                                                              ±  ±                                                                              ±  ±                                                                              ±                                             108                                                                               34    16 15    96 29    27 48                                       __________________________________________________________________________      .sup.a Values represent mean ± standard deviation of each diet group.       .sup.b Significant at P < .009                                                 .sup.c significant at P < .009                                                 .sup.d significant at P < .004                                                 TC = total cholesterol                                                         HDLC = high density lipoprotein cholesterol                                    LDLC = low density lipoprotein cholesterol                                     TG = triglycerides                                                       

EXAMPLE 10

The Effect of Whole Glucan On Serum Cholesterol Levels of Hamsters

Twenty-four Syrian hamsters were fed a control diet consisting of Purina rodent chow (#5001) and after an initial plasma cholesterol determination (see Example 9), were divided into 8 groups and randomized so that initial pre-treatment plasma cholesterol levels were not significantly different from each other. Afterward, all animals were placed on a hypercholesterolemic chow-based diet containing 10% coconut oil plus 0.2% cholesterol, and either no added fiber (control group) or containing 5% oat bran or 5% whole glucan. After 4 weeks, animals were bled and plasma lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were analyzed as described in Example 9.

The results, shown in Table 10, indicate that whole glucan reduced total cholesterol by 13% compared to only 6% with oat bran. LDL was reduced by 15% in the whole glucan group compared to 4% in the oat bran group.

                  TABLE 10                                                         ______________________________________                                         PLASMA LIPID PROFILES OF HAMSTERS FED A                                        HIGH CHOLESTEROL DIET SUPPLEMENTED                                             WITH OAT FIBER OR WHOLE GLUCAN                                                 TREATMENT                                                                      ADDED FIBER CONTROL   OAT BRAN  WHOLE GLUCAN                                   (wt/wt)     0         5%        5%                                             ______________________________________                                         TOTAL CHOL  238 ± 47*                                                                             224 ± 48                                                                              208 ± 25                                    (mg/dl)                                                                        LDL CHOL    114 ± 52                                                                              110 ± 37                                                                               97 ± 37                                    (mg/dl)                                                                        HDL CHOL    124 ± 24                                                                              114 ± 30                                                                              111 ± 20                                    (mg/dl)                                                                        TRIGLYCERIDES                                                                              135 ± 43                                                                               99 ± 38                                                                               74 ± 17                                    (mg/dl)                                                                        ______________________________________                                          *Values represent Mean ± Standard Deviation for 8 animals per group.  

EXAMPLE 11

Administration of Whole Glucan to Hamsters on a Pre-Established High-Fat Diet

Thirty-three Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were placed on a high-fat diet (Purina Mills Rodent Laboratory Chow #5001 with 0.2% by weight cholesterol and 10% by weight coconut oil) for seven weeks. On the seventh week the hamsters were separated into four groups and the body weight of each hamster was recorded. Three of the groups then received 5% by weight of either wheat bran, oat bran or whole glucan (prepared as described in Example 1) in their high-fat diets. The fourth control group continued on the original diet with no additional fiber supplement. After six weeks the body weights of the hamsters were recorded. The results are shown in Table 11.

                  TABLE 11                                                         ______________________________________                                         EFFECT OF DIETARY FIBER ON BODY WEIGHT                                                    NUMBER OF    BODY WEIGHT.sup.a  (grams)                             DIET GROUP ANIMALS      PRE        TREATED                                     ______________________________________                                         WHEAT BRAN 9            108 ± 12                                                                               100 ± 8.sup.b                            OAT BRAN   6            102 ± 6 113 ± 11.sup.c                           WHOLE GLUCAN                                                                              9            112 ± 8  91 ± 6.sup.d                            CONTROL    9            111 ± 7 108 ± 6                                  ______________________________________                                          .sup.a values represent mean ± standard deviation                           .sup.b significant at p < .021                                                 .sup.c significant at P < .025                                                 .sup.d significant at P < .001                                           

As shown in Table 11, whole glucan effected significantly higher weight loss compared to either oat bran or wheat bran.

EXAMPLE 12

Effect of Whole Glucan on Weight Gain of Rats

Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into six groups with similar average body weights. Each group was assigned to one of six diets which differed by the source and/or proportion of fiber added to them: control (no fiber) cellulose (5%), oat bran (43%) and whole glucan at 1%, 4% and 8% by weight. All the diets were based on the AIN 76A diet as described in "Dietary Fiber and Health", JAMA, 262:542-546 (1989) and by Shinnich et al. in J. Nutr.. 118:144-151 (1988) and contained 1% by weight cholesterol and 0.2% by weight cholic acid. As oat bran contains 18.6% dietary fiber, the oat group diet contained 43% by weight oat bran so as to compare to the 8% whole glucan diet. The animals were maintained on their respective diets for 20 days. Initial and final body weights and daily food intake were monitored and are shown in Table 12.

                                      TABLE 12                                     __________________________________________________________________________     THE EFFECT OF WHOLE GLUCAN ON 20 DAY                                           WEIGHT GAIN IN RATS                                                            20       INITIAL                                                                               FINAL  FEED  20 DAY                                            FIBER    WEIGHT(g)                                                                             WEIGHT(g)                                                                             INTAKE(g)                                                                            WEIGHT GAIN                                       __________________________________________________________________________     Fiber    263.0 ± 9.55                                                                       344.5 ± 21.4                                                                       16.25 ± 1.64                                                                      81.5 ± 15.3                                    Cellulose(5%)                                                                           262.6 ± 7.96                                                                       339.3 ± 11.0                                                                       17.59 ± 0.72                                                                      76.7 ± 6.6                                     Oat Bran(43%)                                                                           262.9 ± 8.08                                                                       336.2 ± 15.3                                                                       16.69 ± 1.05                                                                      73.3 ± 9.4                                     Whole Glucan(1%)                                                                        262.7 ± 8.33                                                                       336.6 ± 18.0                                                                       16.10 ± 1.46                                                                      73.9 ± 11.5                                    Whole Glucan(4%)                                                                        262.5 ± 7.69                                                                       331.2 ± 19.0                                                                       16.48 ± 1.29                                                                      68.7 ± 14.3                                    Whole Glucan(8%)                                                                        263.5 ± 10.62                                                                      318.7 ± 11.8.sup.a                                                                 15.82 ± 1.52                                                                      55.2 ± 11.4.sup.a                              __________________________________________________________________________      .sup.a significant at p < 0.05 (Two tailed Dunnett Test)                 

As shown in Table 12, only whole glucan at 8% by weight of the diet resulted in a significant reduction in weight gain without requiring a statistically significant reduction in food intake. Surprisingly, the oat bran did not induce significant reduction in weight gain even at the 43% level.

Equivalents

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A dietary supplement for administration to mammals consisting essentially of intact hollow whole β-glucan in an amount sufficient to provide a source of fiber in the diet to aid in digestion, reduce serum cholesterol levels and enhance weight loss in said mammal.
 2. A dietary supplement of claim 1 wherein the whole β-glucan has been chemically modified by treatment with acid.
 3. The dietary supplement of claim 2 wherein the acid comprises acetic acid.
 4. The dietary supplement of claim 1 wherein the whole β-glucan has been enzymatically modified by treatment with a β-glucanase enzyme.
 5. The dietary supplement of claim 4 wherein the β-glucanase enzyme is laminarinase.
 6. The dietary supplement of claim 1 wherein the whole β-glucan comprises altered β-glucan derived from yeast cells which have been genetically modified.
 7. The dietary supplement of claim 1 which is a laxative.
 8. The dietary supplement of claim 1 which contains about 5 to about 50 grams of whole β-glucan.
 9. A dietary supplement for reducing the level of serum cholesterol in a human or animal consisting essentially of an amount of intact, hollow whole β-glucan sufficient to reduce the level of serum cholesterol in said human or animal.
 10. A dietary supplement of claim 9 wherein the amount of whole β-glucan is from about 5% to about 8% by weight of total dietary intake.
 11. A dietary supplement for reducing weight gain or enhancing weight loss in a human or animal consisting essentially of an amount of intact, hollow whole β-glucan sufficient to reduce weight gain or enhance weight loss in said human or animal.
 12. The dietary supplement of claim 11 wherein the amount of whole β-glucan is from about 5% to about 8% by weight of total dietary intake.
 13. A method of providing a source of fiber in a diet of a mammal consisting essentially of administering hollow, intact whole yeast β-glucan to the mammal.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the whole yeast β-glucan is in a biologically acceptable carrier.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the carrier is sterile saline or water, and the composition is administered orally or through a feeding tube.
 16. A method of claim 14 wherein the whole yeast β-glucan is administered to the mammal as part of a complete nutritional food formulation.
 17. A method of claim 13 wherein the bulking and digestibility of the fiber is altered by increasing or decreasing the relative proportion of β(1-3) and β(1-6) linkages.
 18. The method of claim 13 wherein the amount of whole β-glucan administered is from about 5 to about 50 grams per day.
 19. A method of providing a fecal bulking agent to a mammal consisting essentially of administering hollow, intact whole yeast β-glucan to the mammal.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the whole yeast β-glucan is in a biologically acceptable carrier.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the carrier is sterile saline solution or water, and the composition is administered orally or through a feeding tube.
 22. A method of claim 20 wherein the whole yeast β-glucan is administered to the mammal as part of a complete nutritional food.
 23. A method of providing a source of short chain fatty acids to a mammal consisting essentially of administering to the mammal an amount of hollow, intact whole yeast β-glucan sufficient to aid digestion and improve intestinal function.
 24. A method of reducing total plasma and LDL cholesterol in a human or animal comprising administering to the human or animal an amount of hollow, intact whole yeast β-glucan sufficient to cause reduction in total plasma and LDL cholesterol in the human or animal.
 25. A method of claim 24 wherein the whole yeast β-glucan is derived from a strain of S. cerevisiae.
 26. The method of claim 24 wherein the amount of whole β-glucan administered comprises from about 5% to about 8% by weight of the total dietary intake of the human or animal.
 27. The method of claim 24 wherein the whole yeast β-glucan is in a biologically acceptable carrier.
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein the biologically acceptable carrier comprises cornstarch.
 29. A method of claim 28 wherein the whole yeast β-glucan is contained in a chewable tablet.
 30. A method of reducing weight gain or enhancing weight loss in a human or animal comprising administering to the human or animal an amount of hollow, intact whole yeast β-glucan sufficient to cause a reduction in weight gain or an increase in weight loss.
 31. The method of claim 30 wherein the whole yeast β-glucan is derived from a strain of S. cerevisiae.
 32. The method of claim 30 wherein the amount of whole β-glucan administered comprises from about 5% to about 8% by weight of the total dietary intake of the human or animal.
 33. The method of claim 30 wherein the whole yeast β-glucan is in a biologically acceptable carrier.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein the biologically acceptable carrier comprises corn starch.
 35. The method of claim 34 wherein the whole yeast β-glucan is contained in a chewable tablet.
 36. A liquid formulation comprising a non-gelling aqueous containing about 30 g/L of hollow, intact whole glucan. 